Best gaming consoles in 2021

Gaming consoles are extremely popular globally and in recent years, India too has shown immense interest in gaming consoles along with PC & mobile games forcing the producers to launch the latest and most popular gaming consoles in India.

So yeah, Practically the market is hot and Gaming fans are craving for experiencing the best gaming consoles available in the market.

If you too are a gaming geek planning to buy a gaming console, this little write-up here will definitely help you make the right decision by educating you on various factors of top emerging gaming consoles in the Indian market, and providing you a comparative list to pick from.

Gaming Consoles

What is a gaming console, and why do you need it?

Ok, for those new to gaming, a gaming console is a computer programmed device that sets up the gaming atmosphere and lets you play video-games using handy controllers. A console also determines the output of the given instructions in a video game.

Usually, console games can be played by multiple players and are preferred over mobile & PC games which are just starting to sprout in the gaming industry.

Computer gaming is complex, and mobile gaming is still not that powerful. If you want to jump real deep into the gaming realm, the easiest and most fun way is to get a gaming console.

How and why gaming consoles influence the youth?

Console gaming has been bringing friends together for decades. The shape, size, and features of gaming consoles have changed with time but console gaming has never gone old-school, even after the appearance of computer and mobile gaming, console gaming still tops the basket when it comes to youth’s choice of games. Numerous studies have also shown that console gaming improves hand-eye coordination and makes players better & faster decision makers.

How gaming consoles work

Basically a gaming console is a computer built especially for gaming purposes. A gaming console functions on its core CPU that sets up & loads the game, instructs the system, and receives output from the running game, with that said the CPU/Processor is one of the most important components of a console. 

For you to operate the game, controllers also known as gamepads are provided that let you control the characters, select the stage, and alter the settings.

Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo are 3 major companies that manufacture great gaming consoles.

What all makes a Gaming Console

To put it in plane words, Gaming consoles consist of lots & lots of components, but here’s a comprehensive list of major components:

1. Main circuit board
2. Display
3. Battery
4. Protective casing
5. Internal Gaming-discs 
6. Controls (Joy-sticks, gamepads etc)
7. Accessories

Prerequisite for buying a Gaming Console

There are as such no prerequisites for buying a gaming console, although some premium consoles come with an age restriction that requires you to be at least 13 years old for enjoying gaming on consoles as the nature of some specific games may be too violent, and disturbing for kids.

Things to consider/remember, while choosing a Gaming Console

• Types of games: it is very likely that you like playing a specific type of game, some like action, others like mystery, and others like sports games. Before you choose a console, make sure your preferred games are available.

• Price: What you can spend always plays a large role in your selection of gaming console, set a budget before you shop a console game

• Performance: Not all games are made equal, and the performance of each gaming console depends on its hardware, screen resolution, frame rate, and any other specifics. Keep these factors in mind.

• Backward compatibility: New games & gaming consoles enter the market every year with higher standards, it’s important that your console can run games from older generation consoles.

• Storage capacity: the storage would determine how many and what size of games can you store and run comfortably

Best Gaming Consoles in India: A Comparison

Recommendations for various requirements of Gaming Consoles

1. Sony Playstation 5

From design to execution, PS5 is the best gaming console ever made so far, and I’m not just beating the air. Its SSD can literally load the heaviest games before you have time to breath. Spiderman remastered took less than a second in my case. 

The custom built RDNA 2 graphic processor lets you experience a frame-rate of 120 fps with 4K resolution with a promise of 8K resolution in upcoming updates. Its design is a work of art straight from the heavens, and when it comes together with the entirely redesigned next-gen UI, it’s impossible to take hands off PS5 controllers.

• Features:
  • 8x zen 2 core
  • 4K UHD blu-ray drive
  • 825GB SSD
  • NVMe SSD slot
  • Compatibility with PS4 games
  • Cross-generation chat

• Pros:
  • High-speed loading 
  • Advanced UI
  • Elegant design

• Cons:
  • Huge size
  • Lack of storage

• Why to go for it:

Despite being expensive, PS5 is the best next-gen gaming console in terms of performance, and design with exceptionally good graphics.

• Best for:

PS5 is best for playing high-end graphically-superior console games that otherwise take forever to load in other consoles.

• Pricing: 49990 Rs

Product-link: https://www.playstation.com/en-in/ps5/buy-now/

2. Sony Playstation 4 Pro 1 TB console

Sony’s PS4 Pro offers almost double the specification of a regular PS4 with a more powerful 8 core AMD Jaguar CPU, huge storage of 1 TB, and an 8 GB RAM for smooth and fluid running.

The 4K HDR visual experience it brings along makes your gaming more real, and immersive.

It’s compatible with most standard systems, and comes loaded with many popular titles like; Abzû, Amnesia: The Dark Descent.

To say the least, it’s a no brainer to get a Playstation 4 Pro

• Features:
  • AMD Radeon graphics processor
  • 8GB RAM
  • 1TB storage
  • Anti-aliasing
  • 2160 Streaming-output

• Pro:
  • Great VR experience
  • Wide storage capacity
  • Amazing speed

• Cons:
  • No backward compatibility

• Why to go for it:

PS4 Pro is a perfect mix of well designed UI, & premium hardware, the chances that you would face any real glitches with PS4 Pro is near zero. 

• Best for:

Stated as one of its primary advantages, PS4 Pro is great at delivering virtual reality gaming 

• Pricing: 36594 Rs

Product-link: https://www.playstation.com/en-in/ps4/buy-ps4/

3. PS4 1 TB slim console:

If you happen to be a traveler or just enjoy carrying your gaming console wherever you go, so that you never get bored wherever you are, the PS4 slim console with 1 TB RAM is the gaming console you need, It’s light-weight, portable, and easy to carry. 

The weight is not the only thing that goes down with PS4 slim, you get quite a good slash at the price as well, it’s available at an even better price than the original PS4, the only downside is that you’ll have to settle for non-4K graphics.

• Features:
  • Matte plastic body
  • 1TB storage drive
  • DVD playback
  • HDR support
  • Online-streaming

• Pros:
  • Portable console
  • Affordable price
  • Two storage-variants

• Cons:
  • No 4k-Resolution
  • Optical audio not available

• Why to go for it: 

This next-gen gaming console is not just super-affordable, but also easy to take you on trips with friends, which might be exactly what you’re looking for.

• Best for:

For those who don’t own a 4K TV, and don’t plan on buying one, PS4 slim is the best gaming console.

• Pricing: 29990 Rs

Product-link: https://www.amazon.in/Sony-Slim-Console-Free-Games/dp/B07D7PH5GP

4. Xbox One S 1TB Console:

If you don’t wanna spare a large chunk of money on your gaming but still want a gaming console that comes loaded with lots of games, and supports pretty much all console games, Microsoft Xbox One S is for you. Factually, it lets you enjoy over 2200 games that include popular titles like Roblox & Fortnite available for you to play for free. It features an AMD Jaguar 8 core CPU, Durango 2 GPU, 3 USB-ports, and an 8GB RAM. Given these specifications, it’s obviously not as powerful as XBox X but serves well as an affordable gaming console.

• Features:
  • 1TB storage
  • 8GB RAM
  • AMD Jaguar 8 core processor
  • Durango 2 graphics
  • 4k streaming

• Pros:
  • Game score back-up
  • Wireless controller
  • Sleek design

• Cons:
  • Doesn’t support 4K gaming
  • Can be noisy 

• Why to go for it:

As per the specifications, Xbox One S is about 35% lighter than the original Xbox which makes it one of the best gaming consoles to carry around with you.

• Best for:

The system doesn’t offer high-end graphics, or best-in-class specifications but smoothly runs widely played collaborative games like fortnite.

• Pricing: 20999 Rs

Product-Link: https://www.flipkart.com/microsoft-xbox-one-s-1-tb/p/itmf8gyzuwfkgghs

5. Nintendo switch with neon red and neon blue joy con 

Do you want to play your favorite nintendo games on the go without having to install the gaming console in your room or carrying loads of bulky systems and controllers in your bag?

Nintendo switch comes with its own 6.2 inch wide display and two mini controllers one in neon red, and the other in neon blue. It takes 2 to 3 hours to completely charge the console, and offers over 9 hours of long battery life. You can still connect it with your TV and enjoy console gaming on a big screen if that’s what you like.

• Features:
  • 6.2 inch screen
  • Approx 10 hours battery-life
  • Joy-con controllers 
  • Tegra processor

• Pros:
  • Portable in-hand gaming
  • Multipurpose controllers
  • Powerful switch-dock

• Cons: 
  • Too small controllers
  • Relatively expensive

• Why to go for it:

Nintendo has taken a leap of generation by detaching the strings of location from gaming consoles and designing a console that fits in your pocket

• Best for:

You can play almost all your all time favorite nintendo games no matter what scale the game operates on

• Pricing: 36000 Rs

Product-link: https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Switch-Neon-Blue-Joy%E2%80%91/dp/B07VGRJDFY

6. Xbox One X Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition

Xbox One X is crowned as one the best gaming consoles in India due to its premium quality, smooth graphics, and stylish design. This model comes coupled with the preloaded Cyberpunk 2077 and a free Xbox subscription for one month. The console & wireless control are designed specially to resonate with the Cyberpunk 2077 theme which make it a whole lot more tempting to pro gamers. It’s paired with a 12GB RAM, AMD Jaguar 8 core processor, and Radeon GCN 4.0 graphics that shape the brilliant performance Xbox one x promises to deliver.

• Features:
  • 1TB storage
  • 12GB RAM
  • AMD  8 core processor
  • Radeon GCN GPU
  • 3 USB port

• Pros:
  • 4k immersive gaming
  • Great hardware quality

• Cons:
  • Heavy weight
  • No VR plans

• Why to go for it:

Xbox one x is a boss level gaming console preferably designed for gaming-geeks and features high standards that you certainly won’t find elsewhere.

• Best for:

Xbox one-x is best for home gaming as it requires a 4k TV/player for its best performance and is not light enough to carry place-to-place.

• Pricing: 47989 Rs

Product-link: https://www.amazon.in/Xbox-Cyberpunk-2077-Limited-Bundle/dp/B08BKKXMGP/ref=sr_1_1

7. Xbox 360 E console:

There was a time when Xbox consoles were considered only reserved for elites with big budgets, but that was before the release of Xbox 360 E console that entirely changed the equations. This gaming console puts the action of an Xbox in everyone’s budget and comes at less than 15K, of course the basic version.

It carries a 4GB RAM, 500GB hard drive, and Kinect ready sensors. Xbox 360 E comes with a wireless controller that was awarded for its incredible 30Ft range, and a battery that lasts over 25 hours.

• Features: 
  • 4GB RAM
  • 500GB Drive 
  • KInect support
  • Wireless controls
  • Surround sound

• Pros:
  • Affordable price
  • Long range controls
  • Long battery-life

• Cons:
  • Fragile body
  • Average storage capacity

• Why to go for it:

Although it offers low RAM capabilities, it’s Xbox at the best price possible, considering its long lasting battery, and wide range, it’s a great deal.

• Best for:

Xbox 360 E is an excellent choice for games that don’t require a 4K player, and load rather easily such as Call of duty.

• Pricing: 11990 Rs

Product-link: https://www.reliancedigital.in/microsoft-xbox-360-slim-console-4-gb/p/490767172

8. Oculus- Quest 2 advanced virtual reality headset

If virtual reality makes you feel like butterflies flying in your stomach, Oculus- Quest 2 my friend is for you. If you’re like me and keep a keen eye out for VR updates, you’d know why we should be excited about the latest Oculus update. 

As compared to the 2019 version of Oculus, it’s lighter, has better visuals, and saves you about 100$ on your purchase, what else do you expect from a company powered by Facebook itself?

All things considered, Oculus Quest-2 also is the least priced VR headset with such high specifications.

• Features:
  • 64GB drive
  • Insight tracking
  • 3D audio-output
  • Head & body movement tracking

• Pros:
  • Powerful Ecosystem
  • Immersive screen visuals
  • Comfortable

• Cons:
  • Bulky outer body
  • A little heavy

• Why to go for it:

Oculus lets you play advanced VR games with or without a PC, which makes it an choice for travelers who love gaming too

• Best for:

As the name suggests, the Oculus-Quest 2 is designed for playing elite VR games like THE CLIMB 2 that take you to a whole new world.

• Price: 49990 Rs

Product-Link: https://www.amazon.in/Oculus-Quest-All-Gaming-System/dp/B07HNW68ZC

9. Sony Playstation 3 gaming console:

It might be a pretty old gaming console but it still hasn’t lost its spark, and for the most part, Sony has been quite regular in releasing PS3 updates on frequent intervals that has allowed PS3 to enjoy a lot of modern features, In fact, the latest update was released on 7 april 2021. 

It’s one of the lowest priced Playstations available today that comes with 500GB storage, Dolby sound, fair enough resolution, and Wi-Fi connectivity. 

The only factor where it lags behind is its low capacity RAM which is not sufficient for loading many next-gen PS games.

• Features: 
  • 500GB storage
  • 256MB RAM
  • DOLBY sound
  • 1080p Res
  • 2 USB ports
  • Wi-fi connectivity

• Pros:
  • Insanely low-price
  • Slim body
  • Many exclusive games

• Cons:
  • Low capacity RAM
  • IR port not available

• Why to go for it:

Its strong wi-fi connectivity, and streaming compatibility allows you to not just play PS3 games but to binge-watch your favorite shows, & movies.

• Best for:

PS3 is best cut out for games developed before year 2015 which gives you access to a large array of titles to choose from.

• Pricing: 14990 Rs

Product-link: https://www.smartprix.com/gaming_consoles/sony-playstation-3-500-gb-gaming-console-ppd15j1rd4u7

10. Nintendo NES Classic Mini:

If you want to experience the nostalgia of a decade that has gone past, Nintendo NES CLassic Mini has got your back. It brings along the look, and atmosphere of old gaming consoles, with big red-buttons and Retro boxed design.

NES which stands for Nintendo Entertainment System packs 30 evergreen nintendo games like Donkey-kong & metroid that ruled the hearts of gamers 30 years ago. It may be a little inconvenient for new-age gamers who are used to touch panels, and wireless systems, but it’s definitely a retreat for people in their 40s & 50s who loved gaming in their prime.

• Features:
  • Quad-core ARM A7 cortex
  • 512MB flash memory
  • 256MB RAM
  • MALI 400 GPU
  • CRT filter

• Pros:
  • Classy retro design
  • Nostalgic gaming
  • Great price

• Cons:
  • Non-expandable memory
  • Small cords

• Why to go for it:

NES classic mini brings back the memories of the golden era of gaming when digital gaming was still evolving, won’t it be awesome to experience that again?

• Best for:

It is the best gaming console for those gamers who want to relive the nostalgic moments of basic 2D games.

• Pricing: 14599 Rs

Product-link: https://www.amazon.in/Nintendo-CLVSNESA-NES-Classic-Mini/dp/B01IFJBQ1E#:~:text=New%20(2)%20from%20%E2%82%B9%2014%2C599.00%20FREE%20Delivery.

Wrapping up…

When I was a kid, gaming consoles were simple machines but the equations have changed now and the modern gaming consoles seem closer to super-computers rather that simple machines, that is why it gets difficult for gamers to choose which gaming console they should invest in, of course it’s not something you buy everyday, Dah!

Anyway, I hope I could get you closer to some clarity regarding the magical world of gaming consoles.

The first thing you may do before you go out and buy your console is list out what you absolutely need in your gaming console, the preferred games, storage drive, GPU, battery life, accessories and more. Once the mind map of your ideal gaming console is ready, decide on what you can spend, and see which consoles fit your budget from the above mentioned list.

Keeping premium standards in mind, nothing beats Xbox One X but it’s more of an expensive equipment, and if you’re just starting out, Xbox One S or PS3 may better suit your needs.

When it comes to VR headsets, I’ve already given my heart to Oculus Quest-2, and I’m quite loyal until something better comes in.

A low budget is no issue either, I’ve handpicked three contenders available in less than 15000 Rs which is a great price to get your first console on.

FAQs:

1. Why are gaming consoles so expensive in India?

A major reason why gaming consoles are expensive in India is because there are heavy taxes, and import duties applied on gaming accessories imported from abroad.

2. What is the most vital criteria while choosing a gaming console?

Criteria of a gaming console may vary from player to player but a standard criteria that must be met in case of buying a console is the performance of the gaming console which is judged by the speed & fluidity of the games.

3. Xbox One S  Vs Xbox one X, which one is better?

Specification vise Xbox X far surpasses model one s with incredible visuals, and immersive sound but Xbox S is a very affordable gaming console to be fair.

4. Can I buy gaming consoles under 15K?

Yes, there are some great choices available on the internet under 15k, you may select one of the 3 gaming consoles under 15K mentioned above.